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Press Release: IBM CMOS image sensor technology availability

IBM announced the availability of technology and
manufacturing services for complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image
sensors for use in camera-phones, digital still cameras and other consumer
products. The offering combines IBM's copper process technology with image
sensor intellectual property licensed from Eastman Kodak Company to produce CMOS
image sensors that can offer industry-leading image quality for high-volume
consumer applications. IBM announced a CMOS image sensor development and
manufacturing collaboration with Kodak in September, 2004, which included the
license of Kodak CMOS image sensor fabrication intellectual property to IBM.

IBM - CMOS made for Kodak
Kodak this week announced new 3 and 5
Megapixel CMOS image sensors qualified and manufactured for Kodak by IBM's
semiconductor facility in Burlington, Vermont, that utilize this process. IBM's
foundry offering is based on IBM's 0.18-micron copper CMOS manufacturing
process, available at its Burlington facility, that features an integrated
design kit, including a 4-transistor, 3-micron pixel with pinned diode, and
access to IBM's image sensor circuit library. IBM's CMOS technology delivers
image sensors with one of the industry's best "dark current" performance, or the
ability to capture photos in low-light situations, a key feature for consumer
applications such as camera cell phones.

IBM CMOS sensor - 2.5-micron copper
stack Image quality can also be improved
through IBM's ability to produce sensors featuring an ultra-thin, 2.5-micron
copper stack incorporating an on-chip color filter and microlens. The copper
stack is approximately 30 percent thinner than standard aluminum-based
processes, which can result in significant improvements in light collection
efficiency (quantum efficiency) for improved picture quality in low light. In
addition, IBM's angle response performance, important when using lenses with
wider apertures, delivers superior photo resolution and sharpness.

IBM - Foundry supplier 0.18-micron
copper pro Currently, IBM is the only foundry
supplier producing image sensors based on 0.18-micron copper process technology.
IBM was the first semiconductor manufacturer to introduce copper technology and
foundry clients can benefit from the company's successful copper production
track record. In addition, IBM offers access to industry-recognized design kits
and a comprehensive circuit library.

IBM
Systems & Technology Group - Innovation
"IBM is bringing its extensive copper
semiconductor process experience to bear on the CMOS image sensor market,
offering clients what we believe is the best foundry technology available
today," said Tom Reeves, vice president, semiconductor products for IBM Systems
& Technology Group. "Our innovative technology produces sensors with
excellent color accuracy, low noise and very competitive low-light performance
that can help clients differentiate their products in this competitive and
growing consumer market."

Kodak CMOS -
Collaboration with IBM "We are pleased to see
Kodak's image sensor technology at the heart of IBM's new foundry offering,"
said Chris McNiffe, General Manager of Kodak's Image Sensor solutions business.
"Our collaboration with IBM has been extremely successful thus far, leveraging
our respective strengths in imaging and semiconductor manufacturing." Image
sensor market growth is shifting from charged coupled devices (CCDs) to
CMOS-based sensors. CCDs have been the predominant technology used in digital
imaging products due to improved picture quality, but CMOS technology benefits
can include low power, high integration and low production costs compared to
CCDs, all important benefits for consumer applications. IBM's foundry technology
roadmap will enable CMOS-based image sensors that approach the size and
performance of CCD pixels offered today.